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Simon Smith – Executive Head

Simon comes to Longdon Hall School with varying experiences of several educational settings. Simon has worked within Outcomes First Group since 2018. He has held several leadership responsibilities and comes to Longdon Hall School with significant experience. Simon had the pleasure of supporting Longdon Hall School as Interim Executive Headteacher from January – July in 2023 so knows the school well. Simon returned and transitioned to the role of Executive Headteacher in March 2025. Simon is very much looking forward to working closely with the Head of School and the rest of the Senior Leadership Team in strengthening the provision at Longdon Hall School.

Simon has completed a Masters in Educational Leadership at the University of Birmingham which will further support Longdon Hall School. In his previous role, Simon completed the NASENCO qualification and in previous settings has held the role of SENCO so understands the needs of all pupils who attend the school and the support they require. Simon values the importance of every child and what each child can offer and achieve in the correct school environment. Simon not only enjoys the academic achievements of pupils but the personal development of pupils in supporting each pupil in becoming the best person they can be when they leave the school. Simon is looking forward to continuing the work that is already in place with all the pupils, families and external agencies at Longdon Hall School in the continued drive for excellence.

Rob Blyth – Head of School 

Following a successful career in Design, Rob trained as a teacher of Art and Design in which role he worked in mainstream and secondary schools prior to moving into educational leadership positions. He worked as a senior leader in Pupil Referral Units and specialist SEMH schools prior to joining Longdon Hall School.

As Head of School at Longdon Hall School, Rob has oversight of and responsibility for Quality of Education. He works closely with the entire staff to ensure that the lessons delivered to our pupils are of the highest quality and that assessment and feedback are used to continually raise the standard of the educational offer of the school.

Steph Nickless  – Head of Safeguarding and Pastoral Care

Steph joined Longdon Hall School 8 years ago as a member of the Pastoral team. She was given the opportunity to develop the family support service that the school offers and has since become the safeguarding officer. Prior to working at Longdon Hall School, she was a project worker with Barnardo’s for 11 years, supporting families, children and young people who were experiencing many different challenges such as abuse, sub-stance misuse, criminality, domestic abuse and poverty.

Steph also manages our Pastoral Team, supporting them to put in place interventions to support pupils who require a greater level of pastoral input and working closely with the entire staff team to reduce the frequency of restrictive physical interventions.

Steph has worked hard to ensure all the systems and processes for Safeguarding at Longdon Hall are robust and keep all children safe. The high level of her work in this area was recognised in our most recent Ofsted inspection.

Victoria Jenkinson –  Deputy Head

Victoria is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of education for all students. She has been a valued member of LHS for several years, previously serving as Head of English and Secondary Provision, where she played a key role in shaping the curriculum and supporting student progress. With extensive experience in both mainstream and specialist settings, she brings a deep understanding of inclusive teaching and learning.
Holding a specialist qualification in teaching children with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD), including dyslexia, and an MA in Inclusion focusing on SEMH, Victoria is committed to creating an engaging and supportive learning environment. She believes that every student deserves the right support to succeed and works closely with staff to enhance the school’s approach to teaching, learning, and curriculum development.
As Deputy Headteacher responsible for the Quality of Education, Victoria plays a key role in shaping and strengthening the school’s educational provision. She ensures that all students have access to a high-quality, inclusive curriculum that enables them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Katie Whitehouse- Assistant Headteacher – SEND & Inclusion

Katie has over 15 years of experience working with young people in the education sector. Following her completion of teacher training, she developed a strong passion for supporting students with special educational needs. Throughout her career, Katie has held various middle leadership roles, including responsibilities for teaching and learning, curriculum development, and pastoral care, before advancing to senior leadership as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator.

In her current role as Assistant Headteacher – SEND & Inclusion at Longdon Hall School, Katie oversees the provision for students relating to their Education, Health and Care Plans. She works collaboratively with class teams, pastoral staff, and the clinical team to ensure that students receive high-quality support aimed at enhancing their educational outcomes, social skills, and overall mental health and wellbeing.

Riana Wood – Assistant Headteacher (Head of Centre at The Ferns)

Riana brings a distinctive blend of clinical insight and educational leadership to her role as Assistant Headteacher at Longdon Hall School. Starting her career as a paediatric nurse in Neonatal Intensive Care, she earned a Master’s Degree in Paediatric Nursing Science and Research from the University of Nottingham, where she developed an acute understanding of trauma-informed care.
Transitioning into education via the Teach First programme, Riana began her teaching journey in mainstream schools, specialising in geography, personal development, and careers education. She swiftly took on the roles of Head of Personal Development and Careers, where she led initiatives earning national accreditation, and developed curricula now being adopted across multiple schools. Complementing her practical experience, Riana has completed the National Professional Qualification in Leading Behaviour and Culture —equipping her to shape a positive, inclusive, and trauma-informed school culture that supports every pupil.
Riana’s main role is as Head of Centre at The Ferns, where she leads on the day-to-day running of the provision. This involves overseeing the curriculum, safeguarding, behaviour and culture, and therapeutic support for SEMH pupils, ensuring that every child receives the personalised care and adaptive teaching they need to flourish.

Lizzie Sowden Assistant Head- Personal Development and Exams Officer

Lizzie brings over 15 years of experience working with young people in the education sector. She began her teaching career as a History and Humanities specialist, with a particular passion for supporting disadvantaged children and those who have experienced adverse childhood experiences.

Throughout her career, Lizzie has held a variety of middle leadership positions, including Head of Year, Head of Department, and SIAMS Co-ordinator within the middle school system. These roles have given her a unique insight into the powerful impact that a bespoke personal development plan can have on young people as they grow into young adults.

Since joining Longdon Hall as a SEN Teacher, Lizzie has progressed to her current role as Assistant Head for Personal Development and Exams Officer. She works with endless enthusiasm and passion, collaborating closely with the entire staff team to ensure every student receives the highest quality, tailored education to nurture both their personal development and behavioural needs.

Details of the number of staff employed at the School and a summary of their qualifications are available on request

© Outcomes First Group 2025